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Long time, and I need advice!

viva

Veteran

Hi all,
It's been a long time since I posted, but I am faced with the kind of question that is perfect for YLF. I am going to a black tie optional wedding in late September. I ordered a long dress from Rent the Runway but as the date nears, I realize I am dreading wearing it. I'm just not a gown sort of person.
Last weekend I found a BA&SH midnight blue velvet suit at Sakes Off 5th, and it fits like a glove (slightly oversized blazer and full-length slightly flared pants). It also has a bit of a 70s glam vibe which I love.
I have silver sandals I will probably wear.
But what should I wear underneath the jacket? I've been thinking about...
1. an ivory long sleeve button down silk blouse with an extra button undone, to lean into the 70s look
2. a silver sequined loose tank top but is that too OTT?
3. an ivory shell, but that feels boring
4. Or, do I go monochromatic with a dark blue satin top?
I should add that I don't want anything super fitted, as my midsection shows my 60 years.

Any thoughts / recommendations are welcome.
Thank you!
Vivian

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good to see you post, Viv! Your event sounds wonderful. Your new suit too!

Can you provide links to the suit and sandals? Pics? That will help determine the right top

Also, are sandals the right choice? With a velvet suit, I’m thinking a closed metallic shoe.

And you’ll want some bling!

viva

Veteran

(So nice to connect, Angie!)

I welcome your thoughts on the shoe. I felt like I needed to balance the heaviness of the suit with a lighter shoe, which is why I was moving in that direction. I really love the looks pictured below.

Attaching some links and images here.

Suit jacket: https://www.saksoff5th.com/pro....._040002116
Pants: https://www.saksoff5th.com/pro.....021160319_
I think this is the sandal: https://www.ninashoes.com/prod.....urrency=US

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a gorgeous suit! You will look so glam!

If it were me, I would probably wear this top. Or something like it. For me, it would strike a balance between slashy sequins and more a more sober silk blouse or shell. And it can be worn sans jacket also if the venue is warm or dancing is on the program. I think you could probablyl pick one up on sale -- I got mine last winter.

RAILS Trea Pleated Top

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Lisa

Veteran

I really like the top Suz picked, it has a nod to sequins and silk, but walks the line of both styles. A great pairing for a velvet suit, which sounds like a divine choice. Have fun at the wedding!

viva

Veteran

Suz, I love that top! It's not longer available at that link but I know I have seen a very similar one in my searching so will try to locate it. And you are right, I need it to work on its own, as I will surely take that jacket off!!!

ETA: Just ordered directly from Rails to try it. Thanks again!

Anonymous

The monochromatic theme looks more formal to me and a blue blouse might stand alone better too

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Beautiful suit!! I bet gorgeous on you! WOW

Personally and FWIW, I'm not partial to the suit with sandals. Looks seasonally confused when you can see toes. A dainty closed-toe shoe is lovely! Like pumps, ankle strap pumps, or refined loafers. In silver or black.

It's my preference, and preferences differ of course, so feel free to stick with the sandals!

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Sal

Veteran

Great plan - feeling like your stylish self!

I think it depends on if you want contrast - I probably lean to a lighter top as I think the contrast would work well. I like the one you are trialling. Sequins could be fun but my experience from the past is that they are scratchy - I had a couple of options about 10-15 years ago but they weren't comfortable and I think I have less tolerance now.

Nice to see you on the forum and that you still love 1970s influences!!

MsMaven

Veteran

Wow--I love that suit! No advice, but please show us the whole outfit when you get it worked out.

I keep thinking that a velvet suit would be an ideal choice to have on hand just in case.

LJP

Veteran

What a gorgeous suit ! And perfect for you !! I'd definitely do a tonal silk blouse with the bow untied or loosely tied, or with no bow and the extra button undone. Love the sandals with it, and vintage long pearls with a fancy clasp would be great as an accessory. Tom Ford/Gucci etc. I can't get over the price - definitely keep it anyways!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

No great advice to add to the above but it is a gorgeous suit and I love the idea of wearing it rather than a gown.

JAileen

Veteran

I like Lisa’s blouse and jewelry idea, but with Angie’s shoe idea. This is so much better than a gown.

Star

Veteran

Gorgeous suit! No real advice from me. My instincts want it worn with closed shoes yet interestingly the pics you showed all are wearing sandals with it. I think that is quite modern. I would also consider the temperature at the event, or the weather at the time. I get very uncomfortable if my feet are either too hot or too cold, it affects my entire body temperature. If you decide to go with the sandals yours are perfect. They look dressy, and the silver will be stunning with the blue.
Angie I am delighted to see the examples of more slim pants. I know they never went away but does this mean they could be becoming trendy again?

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I love the suit and also the sandals you have shown. Like Star I noticed that the styling photos did have sandals and even one of Angie’s pics did!
I am a fan of sandals and love silver ones for dressy (wore some when I was MOB) but also don’t like cold toes so I think it depends on the likely temperature at the wedding. I also do understand what Angie says about sandals looking slightly seasonally confused with the velvet.
I’m with Star about loving slim pants as well! Always and forever!

LaPed

Veteran

Gorgeous suit! I can't wait to see the final outfit.

My approach would probably be having an option on hand for both cold and hot scenarios, since late September can swing either way. Closed toe shoes and long sleeve silky blouse if the weather turns, or sandals and sleeveless if summer persists.

RobinF

Veteran

Gorgeous suit! That will be perfect for black tie and so comfortable! I like the idea of a tonal blouse but anything will look fab with this.

unfrumped

Veteran

What Cate said— I love a tonal look to be so sophisticated, so a blue silk or faux silk that is a slightly different shade would be ideal for me. It has the advantage of maintaining the tonal look when jacket is off, and also can be more midsection forgiving, due to column of color. It could be solid, or false plain like damask. It could be a blouse or a shell.

That said, such an item might be hard to find! The right blue color tone, fabric, style fit. So I do think a silvery top or silky neutral would also work well— at some point it’s the overall look you will judge, the best color, fit, fabric , from what’s available.

Plus, I hope you will wear the suit again! So you can be still keep an eye out for other tops to change up the look, or ways to wear the suit as separates.

viva

Veteran

Thank you all for your replies, suggestions, and encouragement!

MsMaven, unfrumped, Jaime, JAileen: I am so excited to have this suit. I agree that (for me) it is way better than a gown! I do wonder if some of my more conservative / less fashion-y family members will be like, 'what the hell? pants???' but I am more focused on being comfortable, for better or for worse. I am excited the suit will be wearable in many iterations and will get me through this (and future!) holiday seasons. I've been wanting a new suit for a few years but it never made sense given my lifestyle, but this one feels right.

Cate, Unfrumped, RobinF: I hear all the love for a tonal look! I agree finding the right blue might be tough. I'll see how the one I ordered looks.

LaPed, LJP, Angie, Star, JenniNZ: I'm pretty sure I am sticking with the sandals. I realize this is a personal choice but appreciate those who like the idea. Weather is a real consideration too. September indeed may well be warm, and I like the idea of showing some skin given the weightiness of velvet. Might be best with a sleeveless top, as LaPed suggests.

Sal: So nice to connect with you again. And I hear you on the sequins! I bought a sequin tank for a specific event a couple of years ago and never wore it (scratchy and too OTT for me) so I can bringing it to consignment today.

Lisa, Suz: I have several tops on order and am looking forward to trying Suz's suggestion among others.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's great! I hope it works. I love mine. I do warn you that the neckline might be a bit odd, depending. It's a sort of "stand" neck that can (at times) do wonky things in the mirror, but actually in real life seems to work well. (I own the top.) It is super easy and comfortable -- like a glam tee. Not heavy weight.

I can see a tonal look working, too -- another option I might try is something like this. I'm just pulling from my own actual closet, here!

Collection floral jacquard top

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